Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 64

Ever since the Blacks returned to Forks, it didn’t take long for Teddy to slip back into his normal cheerful self. The familiar faces of his friends, the comforting surroundings of the Black Mansion, and the freedom to run around without worry all made him feel at ease. His friends were ecstatic to welcome him back, greeting him with excitement and eager to hear all about his adventures abroad. Teddy was more than happy to regale them with tales of his time in Britain, from stories about his parents and places he visited.

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione wasted no time in checking in on Phoenix Sports Equipment. They arrived at the main office to find that Billy Black had done an exceptional job managing the business in their absence. The factory was running efficiently, and new orders had continued to flow in at a steady pace. Billy had even taken the initiative to hire new employees to keep up with the increasing demand, ensuring that production remained smooth and customers were satisfied.

Harry walked through the factory floor, impressed by the changes Billy had implemented. He watched as the workers efficiently assembled high-quality sporting goods, their skill evident in the careful craftsmanship. Billy proudly explained the new systems he had put in place, showing Harry the improved logistics and streamlined workflow.

"You've done a great job, Billy," Harry said, clapping him on the back. "I knew I could trust you to keep things running."

Billy grinned. "It’s been a pleasure, Harry. The team here is fantastic, and we’ve even started looking into expanding our product line."

Hermione, ever the strategist, reviewed the financial reports and found everything in perfect order. "I'm impressed, Billy. Your management skills have really taken this place to the next level."

"Thanks, Hermione. I have to admit, running this place has been more fulfilling than I expected. I might not have the magical touch you two have, but I think I’ve got a knack for business."

Harry laughed. "You certainly do, Billy. And don’t worry about the magic part. You've handled things better than we could have ever hoped."

While Harry and Hermione were occupied with the business, Leah had also settled back into their daily routine. She resumed her role overseeing the estate, ensuring everything was running smoothly at the mansion. She often accompanied Teddy on his adventures around Forks, keeping a watchful eye on him while enjoying the peacefulness of being back home.

As the days passed, the Blacks found themselves reintegrating into the Forks community effortlessly. Harry and Hermione spent their evenings reconnecting with old friends, catching up with Charlie Swan, and sharing stories with the natives, who were equally pleased to see them back.

Teddy, of course, found joy in the simplest of things—playing with his friends, running around the expansive estate, and indulging in the occasional visit to the local diner for milkshakes. He was happier than ever, surrounded by people who truly cared for him.

One afternoon, as they all sat on the porch enjoying the cool breeze, Harry turned to Hermione with a content smile. "It feels good to be back, doesn’t it?"

Hermione nodded, squeezing his hand. "Yes, it does. Forks has a charm that no place in Britain could ever match."

Teddy felt more at home in Forks than he ever did in Britain, and his friends welcomed him back with open arms. However, one thing weighed heavily on his mind—he had missed the Forks Festival, the newly renamed and expanded version of the baseball tournament. The town had transformed the tournament into a full-fledged festival while the Blacks were away, and Teddy couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“I can’t believe I missed it, Dad!” Teddy pouted, his arms crossed as he sat on the back porch, watching the sunset over the dense forests that surrounded their home. “There were rides, food stalls, and even a surfing competition again! And Ken told me there was a parade with people dressed as baseball players from different eras!”

Harry chuckled, ruffling Teddy's hair. "I know, buddy, but look at it this way—the fact that they could organize it without us means they’re growing. That’s exactly what I wanted. Forks is thriving on its own, and that’s something to be proud of."

Hermione, who was flipping through some paperwork regarding their business ventures, looked up with a smile. "Harry's right, Teddy. We’ve been trying to encourage them to take initiative. You know how important it is for people to learn to stand on their own feet."

Teddy sighed but nodded. "Yeah, I guess. But next year, I want to help plan everything!"

Leah, who had been leaning against the porch railing, smirked. "Kid, with your enthusiasm, I’m sure they’ll make you honorary festival king or something."

"There's talk in town about expanding the festival even further next year. They want to add new attractions, maybe even get some sponsors from outside Forks. Some of the local businesses think it's time to take it to the next level."

Hermione's eyes lit up. "That's a fantastic idea. We can help them connect with potential sponsors, but they should still be the ones to take charge. We’ll be here for guidance, but the final decisions should be theirs."

Later that evening, as the family sat down for dinner, Teddy excitedly shared his plans for next year’s festival. "I want to set up a magical corner," he said, his eyes sparkling. "Of course, nothing too obvious. Maybe games that look like regular ones but are more fun."

Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione and Leah, who both smiled at Teddy’s excitement. "We'll see what we can do," Harry said. "But remember, the festival belongs to the people of Forks. We’re just here to support."

The Black mansion was abuzz with visitors as friends, neighbors, and business associates came to welcome Harry, Hermione, and Teddy back to Forks. The warmth of the town's embrace was comforting, and it didn't take long for life to return to its usual rhythm. Leah’s mother, Sue Clearwater, had prepared a small gathering in their honor, and the house was filled with laughter and shared memories of the past year.

However, one absence was noticeable—the Cullens.

At first, Harry assumed they were away on one of their frequent trips, perhaps taking advantage of their newfound freedom under Hermione’s enchanted necklaces and potion. But when one of his friends casually mentioned that Edward and Bella had gotten married, Harry was caught completely off guard.

“Wait, they got married?” Harry asked, brows furrowing. He exchanged a glance with Hermione, who looked equally surprised. “I thought they would have told us.”

His friend shrugged. “Well, you guys were out of the country for almost a year. They probably didn’t want to bother you.”

Harry nodded, but something gnawed at him. He had always thought Edward would at least send a letter or a message. They had grown close over time, and Teddy adored Bella.

“And they’re back from their honeymoon already?” Hermione asked, sipping her tea.

“Yeah, but there’s something strange,” the friend continued, lowering his voice. “Apparently, Bella caught some kind of rare sickness during their trip, and ever since they got back, the Cullens have been holed up in their house. Hardly anyone has seen them.”

Harry frowned, his instincts kicking in. "What kind of sickness?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual.

The friend hesitated. “No one knows exactly. Charlie’s been really worried, but every time he tries to visit, Carlisle tells him Bella needs rest and it’s best not to disturb her.”

Hermione exchanged a worried glance with Harry. “That doesn’t sound like any normal sickness,” she murmured under her breath.

Leah, who had been silently listening, crossed her arms. “I don’t like this. The Cullens don’t get sick. If they’re keeping it quiet, something is up.”

Harry exhaled deeply. “We need to check on them.”

Hermione nodded. “Agreed. But let’s not jump to conclusions. Bella might actually be unwell.”

Teddy, who had been quietly playing with his toys, suddenly looked up. “Is Bella okay?” he asked, his eyes wide with concern. “I miss her.”

Harry smiled reassuringly at his son. “We’ll find out, kiddo.”

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Harry stood at the edge of the Black mansion’s porch, gazing toward the direction of the Cullen estate. He had a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach, and years of dealing with dark forces had taught him never to ignore his instincts.

“We should go tomorrow,” Hermione said softly, standing beside him.

“Yeah,” Harry agreed. “Something tells me we’re not going to like what we find.”

The drive to the Cullen estate was eerily silent. Harry gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he navigated through the winding forest roads leading to the mansion. Hermione sat beside him, her brows furrowed in deep thought. Neither of them spoke, but the weight of their concern hung heavy in the air.

Back at the Black mansion, Teddy had thrown an absolute fit when they told him he couldn't come. His protests had been loud and persistent, insisting that he needed to see Bella and Edward. Eventually, it took Leah’s firm hand to stay back and distract him, but not before Teddy made Harry promise he would let him know if Bella was okay.

As they reached the Cullen house, the large mansion loomed ominously in the fading twilight. The pristine house, which once seemed so inviting, now had an unsettling aura. Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione before knocking on the heavy oak door.

It was Carlisle who answered, his usual composed expression marred by a hint of weariness. “Harry, Hermione,” he greeted with a strained smile. “I suppose you’ve heard.”

Harry didn’t mince words. “We have. Is Bella inside?”

Carlisle sighed and stepped aside. “Come in.”

The moment they entered, the tension in the air was palpable. The living room, once filled with warmth and soft music, was now sterile and quiet. The other Cullens were gathered in the background, whispering in low voices, their eyes filled with concern.

And then Harry saw her.

Bella sat in one of the grand chairs, wrapped in a thick blanket, her skin as pale as parchment and stretched thin over her fragile frame. Her face was sunken, her once-vibrant eyes dull, and her lips cracked and dry. But the most shocking sight was her swollen belly, far larger than it should have been. She looked like a walking skeleton, her frail body struggling to support the life growing inside her.

Hermione gasped softly beside him. “Oh, Merlin,” she whispered, her hand covering her mouth.

Edward, who was sitting beside Bella, looked up with haunted eyes. “You weren’t supposed to see her like this,” he said hoarsely, his voice filled with guilt and sorrow.

Harry felt a wave of anger rise in his chest. “What the hell is going on, Edward?” he demanded, stepping closer. “You should have told us the moment this started.”

Edward sighed heavily and glanced at Carlisle, who spoke instead. “It’s... complicated,” Carlisle said. “Bella’s pregnancy is not normal. We believe the baby is... not entirely human.”

Hermione’s eyes widened in shock. “Not human? What do you mean?”

Edward clenched his fists. “The baby... it’s strong, too strong. It’s growing at an unnatural rate, and Bella’s body is deteriorating because of it.”

Bella, despite her weakened state, managed a faint smile. “I wanted this, Harry,” she rasped, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love him... or her... I know it’s dangerous, but I won’t let anyone take my baby away.”

Harry knelt beside her, taking her cold hand in his. “Bella, this is insane. You’re dying. How can you possibly survive this?”

Rosalie, standing nearby with a fierce protective expression, spoke up. “She’s stronger than you think, Harry. And we’re doing everything we can to keep her alive.”

Hermione shot Rosalie a sharp look. “At what cost? She looks like she’s wasting away! There has to be a solution, some way to help her without putting her life at risk.”

Carlisle nodded. “We’ve been trying different things—blood, nutrients, but nothing seems to be enough. The baby takes what it wants.” His expression darkened. “And we have no idea what it truly is.”

Harry’s mind raced. He had dealt with dark magic, curses, and strange creatures, but this... this was something entirely different. “Have you tried magical diagnostics?” he asked. “Maybe I can check for anything abnormal with magic.”

Edward hesitated. “We didn’t want to involve you... but at this point, we’ll take any help we can get.”

Hermione immediately pulled out her wand and stepped forward. “Let me try. I might be able to see if there’s anything we’re missing.” She murmured a few incantations, her wand glowing softly as she waved it over Bella’s abdomen. A deep, thrumming hum filled the room as the spell took effect.

She looked over her shoulder at Harry. “She’s severely dehydrated and malnourished,” Hermione said, her voice clinical but filled with urgency. “Her body can’t keep up with the strain this pregnancy is putting on her. She’s not going to last much longer like this.”

Harry nodded, his face grim. “Do what you need to do, Hermione.”

Without wasting a second, Hermione straightened and turned to Carlisle. “I need space,” she ordered, her tone brooking no argument. “I’m going back to the mansion to grab what I need. Harry, stay with her.”

Harry gave a firm nod, his eyes flickering to Bella, whose weak smile barely concealed the exhaustion behind it. “I’ll be right here.”

Hermione apparated away with a faint pop, leaving the room in a tense silence. Bella’s breathing was shallow, her eyes fluttering shut with effort. Harry knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “Stay with us, Bella,” he said softly.

Moments later, Hermione reappeared, carrying several vials and a small leather case filled with potions. “Alright,” she said, placing the items on the coffee table. “I’ve got nutrient potions, blood-replenishing draughts, and a few elixirs that should stabilize her for a while.”

She carefully uncorked a deep red potion and handed it to Bella. “Drink this,” she instructed. “Slowly.”

Bella’s frail hands trembled as she took the vial, and Edward helped her bring it to her lips. She grimaced at the taste but forced it down. Almost immediately, a bit of color returned to her cheeks, but Hermione wasn’t satisfied. She checked Bella’s vitals with a quick diagnostic charm and frowned. “This will keep you going for a bit, but it’s not a permanent solution,” Hermione said, her voice grave. “Your body is breaking down faster than I can patch it up.”

Edward’s eyes widened with panic. “Then what do we do?”

Hermione looked at him with firm resolve. “When the baby comes, you have to change her—immediately. It’s the only way to save her.”

Edward staggered back as if she had struck him. “No. No, there has to be another way.”

“There isn’t,” Hermione snapped. “I don’t have time to develop something that will fix this. Your choices are simple: either you turn her after birth, or you lose her.”

A heavy silence settled over the room. Edward looked at Bella, his expression torn between agony and love. “Bella,” he whispered, “is that what you want?”

Bella smiled weakly. “I want our baby to live. And I want to be with you... forever.”

Harry sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “You better make peace with it, Edward. If you want her alive, this is the only way.”

Carlisle stepped forward, placing a hand on Edward’s shoulder. “She’s right, son. We need to prepare.”

Edward looked down, his jaw clenching tightly, then finally nodded. “Alright. We’ll do it.”

Hermione packed away her supplies, watching Edward closely. “I’ll stay here for now, monitor Bella and make sure she makes it through the next few days. But the moment the baby is born, don’t hesitate.”

Edward nodded, and Rosalie exchanged a worried glance with Emmett, who had entered quietly and listened to everything. “We’ll be ready,” Emmett said, his voice unusually serious.

Harry exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “Alright then,” he said, standing up. “We do what we have to. Let’s make sure Bella and the baby come out of this alive.”

As they settled into an uneasy silence, Hermione gently squeezed Bella’s hand. “Rest now, Bella. We’ll handle the rest.”

And for the first time in days, Bella allowed herself to close her eyes, trusting her family to protect her.